How to Recycle Cardboard

Definition of Cardboard

Cardboard generally refers to corrugated cardboard: two thin layers of paper glued to a middle ondulating layer of paper. OCC means old corrugated cardboard.
Paperboard (flat, pressed, stiff paper used in cereal boxes, for example)--also often called cardboard by the general public--does not have flutes, is of a lower quality paper, and is often coated. Paperboard, by definition, is not OCC and, therefore, should be kept to a minimum in an OCC collection program.
“Yellow” corrugated cardboard refers to the cardboard that was manufactured in Asia and has a high percentage of recycled fiber content. Because of the high recycled fiber content, it is yellow in color, weaker, and less valuable to recyclers than other corrugated cardboard and is therefore usually rejected by haulers and markets.

Collecting cardboard

For proper recycling and better prices when selling the used cardboard bales:

·Separate any contaminants from the corrugated, including strapping, tape, plastic bags, Styrofoam®, food waste or floor sweepings. Dealers pay the highest price for clean corrugated cardboard.
·Remove any boxes that should not be recycled, especially any that are contaminated by toxic or hazardous materials. Boxes cannot be recycled if they have been treated with plastic extrusions or laminates, wax coatings, etc. ·Some dealers and mills will accept loose material, but large bales are generally preferred.

Potential contaminants: Contaminants that can cause a load of recyclable OCC to be rejected by a hauler or market include staples, other types of paper, too much tape, yellow corrugated “Asian” cardboard, waxed cardboard, food scraps or stains, and/or plastic packaging materials.

See also

How to make Cardboard Furniture